Odds On Autism
With the odds being one in every 150 children, chances are you know someone who has a child with Autism. It is a brain disorder that affects communication and social interaction and causes repetitive and restricted behavior. It usually shows up before a child is three. Affected children can be anywhere on the spectrum from not speaking at all, to being obsessive-compulsive, chattering repetatively on one topic.
All children with Autism have one thing in common. Their daily life is a struggle for themselves, their families and anyone who has contact with them. They have to overcome speech difficulties, physical challenges and social issues.
There is no single cause or factor for the recent rise in autism, and there is no cure. However, it is alarming how dramatically it has increased since the 80’s. It’s everywhere now.
As adults, few live independently. They live with family or in supported group homes. Some are successful and work in community sheltered work shops. Whether autism is a condition or a disorder, that one in 150 with autism may be someone close to you.